Motherland: Fort Salem‘s 3×06 “Book Club” gave me something none of the other episodes have…hope. That’s not to say that the previous episodes of this season have been drab or lacklustre. They’ve been fantastic and have built a story that I can’t help but wanting more of. But this episode, it lit a spark for everyone in the show and those watching it. And that’s a good thing. A great thing even. Because with the President Douche causing havoc, it’s been hard to hope.
First up, there’s Tally. For the longest time I’ve felt like this solider was meant to die. Everyone else in her unit had a loved one or someone they considered family. And all Tally had was her unit, who is a family, but doesn’t have the same connection as the others that speak of a life outside or after the military. Seeing her mom gave Tally perspective but also gave me some. Tally Craven can survive Motherland: Fort Salem and I hope now more than ever that she does.
Too often characters like Tally don’t get a happy ending. That’s due to many things like not having a partner, love interest, or close family nearby. And it sucks, big time, but they’re seen as expendable to the greater good. Because of that I’ve feared the steps that she’s going to take to save her unit. And I still fear that. But maybe not to the same extent anymore thanks to “Book Club.” Now Tally has hope, in herself, in her mother, and all those around her that they will survive this. And I will hold onto that as well.
Then there’s Raelle and Scylla. Both have spent so much time away from each other but I feel like that separation is coming to a close and was a necessary part of their character development. Raelle so she could heal from the insurmountable trauma that she’s had to endure from the very start and as the Witch Bomb. And Scylla so she could learn to stand on her own two feet, assimilate into the unit on her own terms, and for any lingering doubts that some may have about her (like the ones I’ve had) to finally fade away. And this episode of Motherland: Fort Salem did all that.
Lastly, there’s Abigail. In many ways, I feel like she’s the strongest of the unit. She’s the leader and it comes with the territory, I suppose. But even then, I think Abigail has had a hard time finding hope in all of this. Seeing her mother in the Cession helped and so did having her unit. But there’s something about being home, completing a mission, and seeing with your own eyes how things have changed, that lights a fire under you. And I think that’s happened for Abigail after “Book Club.” She’s revived. And that makes all the difference for what’s to come.
Even Willa and Alder gave me hope, something I really didn’t see coming considering how much they’ve both changed. The world has stripped them of who they are and the Mycellium has rebuilt them, giving them a second chance at righting the wrongs of the world. And they’ve used that chance to protect those that they love. Has it been perfect? No. But do they continue trying? Yes. And at the end of the day, that’s what we need. Hope. And I feel it inside and am not letting it go.
Overall, Motherland: Fort Salem‘s 3×06 “Book Club” made me feel ready for what’s to come. Yes, I’m still scared and I hate President Douche and his companions. But they’ll be gone soon. I can feel it in my gut. And maybe this show will end up well and not like the shitshow I expected when this season started and I saw no way out. Here’s hoping with a side of knocking on wood because superstition is a real thing and don’t knock it til you try it.
I’m hoping that Tally and M get together. They shared some very intimate moments together at the mansion, at the bar and by the fire, before Tally’s vision. Gave me hope!